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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Health Resources and Services Administration

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Nursing Scholarship Program

The Nursing Scholarship Program application cycle for the 2012-2013 school year is closed.

  • Applicants selected to receive funding will be notified by August 31, 2012.
  • Applicants who submitted complete application packages, but are not selected to receive funding, will be notified by September 30, 2012.
  • Sign up to receive an e-mail when the 2013 Nursing Scholarship Program application cycle opens.

Funding Awards

How does the NSP determine which applicants will receive scholarships?

Among eligible applicants, the NSP determines scholarship awardees utilizing various funding preferences and selection factors.

Funding Preferences

There is a funding preference for applicants of greatest financial need. An applicant’s financial need is determined based on the applicant’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is provided on the Student Aid Report (SAR) generated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Applicants with an EFC between $0 and $5,550 will be considered as having the greatest financial need.

Among qualified applicants with the greatest financial need (e.g., applicants with an EFC between $0 and $5,550):

  1. First Funding Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited undergraduate nursing program or Master’s nurse practitioner program as full-time students.
  2. Second Funding Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited graduate nursing program other than a Master’s nurse practitioner program (e.g., Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, programs for certified nurse midwives, certified registered nurse anesthetists, or clinical nurse specialists), as full-time students.
  3. Third Funding Preference will be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited undergraduate or graduate nursing program as part-time students.

To the extent that funds remain available, all other applicants will be considered in the order of decreasing need.

Selection Factors

The following selection factors will be considered when determining scholarship awardees:

  1. A history of not honoring a prior legal obligation. An NSP applicant who has a history of not honoring a prior legal obligation, as evidenced by one or more of the following factors, may not be selected:
    1. Default on a prior service obligation to the Federal government, a State or local government, or other entity, even if the applicant subsequently satisfied that obligation through service, monetary payment, or other means.
    2. Default on any Federal payment obligations (e.g., student loans, Federal income tax liabilities, mortgages, etc.) or non-Federal payment obligations (e.g., court-ordered child support payments); OR
    3. Write off of any Federal or non-Federal debt as uncollectible.
  1. Academic performance. Demonstrates the ability to excel and maintain good academic standing in school.
  2. Essay questions. Demonstrates a thorough commitment to a career in nursing; interest/motivation in providing care to underserved communities and relevant work experience and/or activities (i.e., community service, research, and internships) that have prepared the applicant to work with underserved populations.
  3. Resume/Curriculum Vitae. Summarizes educational qualifications, work experience, and volunteer/community service in chronological order.
  4. Recommendation letters. Provides a detailed description of the applicant’s performance in school; education/work achievements; community/civic or other non-academic achievements; ability to work and communicate constructively with others from diverse backgrounds; and interest and motivation to serve underserved populations through work experience, course work, special projects, research, etc.

What is the expected number of awards to be given?

The NSP for the 2011-2012 school year is expected to be highly competitive. The Program anticipates more applicants for scholarship awards than there are funds available. It is expected that approximately 350 awards will be made for the 2012-2013 school year. In the past, NSP funds have only allowed for funding of individuals in the first funding preference. Below is a table with previous years’ award history.

Award History

 

Fiscal YearEligible Applications ReceivedInitial AwardsContinuation Awards
20112,92239517
20103,81245818
200942518915


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